Proof of service

Pet Adoption: Process & requirements

Who is eligible to apply?

We accept applications from men and women at all stages of their military careers and from all United States armed forces. Pets for Patriots is proud to serve veterans from WWII through those currently in service. Separated veterans must have received an Honorable discharge.

Individuals convicted of a felony, sexual offense of any kind and/or any type of animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect or cruelty are ineligible.

Length of service requirement

You must have completed a minimum of 190 days of military service. Basic and/or active duty training is not applicable towards this requirement. Reservists and members of the National Guard who were never activated are eligible to apply, and must meet this same minimum service requirement.

Proof of service requirements

All applicants are required to provide a copy of one of the following documents. If you are separated and do not have a copy of your DD214, you can request a copy from the National Archives.

Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documentation:

Statement of service from your CO with your name, entry date on active duty, duration of any lost time and name of the command providing the information; must be currently dated, on command letterhead and signed.

National Guard and Reserves:

Most recent/last-issued DD214 with block including character of service as Honorable, OR

DD256 if separated from Reserves and/or was never activated, OR

Copy of your NGB-22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service), with proof of Honorable of service, OR

Copy of your NGB-23 (Retirement Points Accounting), with evidence of Honorable of service.

Other information you should know:

Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documents; our privacy policy describes how we handle your information

Documents copied/pasted into Word document, txt file or into the body of the email are not accepted; we suggest emailing PDF of original document, or sending via fax or regular mail

Spouses, parents, siblings, other relatives, guardians or any other individual may not apply on behalf of a veteran, without exception. The application is a legal agreement made directly between Pets for Patriots and the veteran. If you need help applying online please call toll-free 877-473-8223.

Other circumstances

Pets for Patriots welcomes veterans who are receiving mental health treatment or are participating in veterans’ courts diversion programs, and who are recommended by their counselors for companion pet adoption.